By Jetty Huish
In a bustling corner of SVU’s athletic campus, one can find freshman volleyball player Kimo Hughey. Originating from the stunning landscapes of Hawaii, California, and Utah, Kimo’s journey to SVU has been marked by his profound passion for sports, a deep familial affection, the triumph over adversity, and his dedication to living up to the significance of his name.
When inquired about what drew him to SVU, Kimo promptly elaborated on his affection for volleyball. “I’m here for men’s volleyball,” he proudly declares. “I’m drawn to the coaching style and the competitive level. The coach is the true driving force behind my choice to join SVU.” Kimo holds a deep admiration for SVU’s volleyball program and coaching staff. The mentorship he anticipates receiving from his coaches and the experiences he will gain as part of the college team promise to inspire his personal growth both on and off the court.
Kimo’s familial ties to SVU extend through generations. “My uncle attended this institution for football,” he reveals. “While I had heard of the school before, I never envisioned myself enrolling here until recently. I find it quite enjoyable, with commendable individuals and an exceptional volleyball team.” It appears that Kimo is carrying on the Hughey family legacy at SVU.
Hailing from Hawaii and later relocating to California and Utah, Kimo embodies the essence of a true adventurer. As the eldest in his family, he takes his role as a big brother to heart, with two beloved younger sisters, Alamea and Kiana.
When not making waves on the volleyball court, Kimo can likely be found engaging in activities such as drawing, playing video games, and immersing himself in music around the clock. His interests transcend the confines of the volleyball court. He possesses a deep fascination for cars, inherited from his father’s passion for working on them. Additionally, Kimo has a keen eye for fashion and firmly believes that “shoes can utterly transform an entire outfit.”
Kimo’s journey has not been devoid of its share of challenges. He openly acknowledges the hurdles of dyslexia and ADHD, which have made his academic path more demanding. Nevertheless, his unwavering determination shines through as he emphatically states, “I do encounter significant academic challenges, but I persevere.” It is this determination that is certain to propel him toward his future goals.
Speaking of the future, Kimo harbors ambitious aspirations. He nurtures the dream of studying economics, with potential interests in sports medicine or personal training. His dreams are deeply rooted in his Hawaiian heritage, with a fervent hope to eventually return to the paradise he calls home.
Amid all his aspirations, Kimo’s fears are profoundly relatable and heartfelt. He confides, “I fear being forgotten or facing any reason for my younger sisters to resent me.” This fear underscores the strength of his family bonds and the sense of responsibility he carries as the elder brother.
Finally, Kimo unveils a distinctive facet of his identity — his name. Pronounced akin to chemotherapy, Kimo’s name bears a captivating significance. “My mother battled cancer and underwent chemotherapy while carrying me, which adds an ironic layer to my name,” he explains. “Kimo translates to James in Hawaiian, and my full name is James Marshall Hughey IV.” This connection to his Hawaiian heritage is not lost on him, as he shares, “Given my half-Hawaiian heritage, my parents carefully chose my name much earlier. In Hawaiian, Kimo signifies ‘Warrior/Soldier.’ It’s a name that impeccably mirrors my spirit — a warrior both on the volleyball court and in life.”
Kimo’s journey stands as a testament to the potency of perseverance, family bonds, and an unwavering passion for sports. As he continues to make his indelible mark at SVU, he stands as a shining exemplar of what it means to be a genuine “warrior,” both on and off the volleyball court.
“Meet Kimo Hughey: Freshman Volleyball Talent from Hawaii” was originally published in The Herald on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.